With just under three weeks to go until the Nike Melbourne Marathon Festival we know you have lots of questions and wanted to share important updates as we head towards race weekend. Keep an eye out for more important COVIDSafe information and tips in the coming weeks.
Vaccination Checks
As you know you must be fully vaccinated against COVID19 to participate. You will be required to show proof of vaccination status or a medical exemption when you arrive on site. You can use your phone or bring printed proof. There will be check in points near the MCG, Yarra Park and the Start Line.
Once verified you will receive a wristband which will allow you to freely move into the start chutes and complete your event. Marshals will be spotting wristbands along the course and visual spotting will occur at the entry to the MCG finish line also – so do not remove your wristband until well after the race and you have exited the MCG.
Digital
- COVID-19 digital certificate using the Service Victoria app
Printed
- COVID-19 digital certificate or immunisation history statement
- Australian Immunisation Register certificate
An exempt person must provide an immunisation history statement obtained from the Australian Immunisation Register as proof of their exemption this can be obtained through a medical practitioner.
N.B Applies to those aged 12 years and 2 months or older.
Event Start Times
A large number of bibs had already been printed prior to the new dates being announced. As such some participants may have received bibs with the previous start times printed on the back. Official Start Times and Locations are:
Saturday 11 December 2021
Start line location – Yarra Park Path (adjacent to Jolimont Station)
- SriLankan Airlines 10km – 3:00pm
- 5km Run – 5:00pm
- 3km Walk – 6:00pm
Sunday 12 December 2021
Start Line location – Batman Avenue (150m north of Rod Laver Arena)
- Nike Marathon – 6:00am
- Nike Wheelchair Marathon – 6:55am
- Nike Half Marathon – 7:00am
Race Bibs
Race bibs are posted in batches and many will still be in the post, due to arrive in the next fortnight. The most common reason why your bib may not arrive is due to incorrect address issues. If you have not received your race bib by Sunday 5 December, please come to the Race Week Office and collect a replacement, there is no need to contact customer support in advance.
3km Walk: Race bibs for the 3km walk will be sent via email after December 1 for participants to print at home.
The Race Week Office is available for the following functions:
- Event Category upgrades/downgrades
- Replacement race bib collection
- General Enquiries
Location 1: On the concourse outside Gate 3 of the MCG
Opening Hours:
Monday 6 December 9:00am – 5:00pm
Tuesday 7 December 9:00am – 5:00pm
Wednesday 8 December 9:00am – 5:00pm
Thursday 9 December 9:00am – 5:00pm
Friday 10 December 6:30am – 11:00am
Location 2: On the concourse outside Gate 2 of the MCG
Opening Hours:
Saturday 11 December 9:00am – 8:00pm
Sunday 12 December 4:00am – 1:30pm
Sunday Race Week Office is open for general enquiries only, all bib replacements and event changes must be done prior to Sunday 12 Dec.
Upgrades/Downgrades
Should you wish to change your event category you are able to do so online up until Friday 3 December, just complete this upgrade/downgrade request form. You will need to come to the Race Week Office to exchange your bib.
If you wish to upgrade or downgrade your event after 3 December you can do so in person at the Race Week Office up until 11am, Saturday 11 December.
Withdrawals
If you wish to withdraw from the Event for any reason (including, but not limited to, medical reasons), you can do so by completing the Withdrawal Application Form. Please note that withdrawal requests made after 30 September 2021 are not entitled to a refund of entry fee. Covid exceptions may apply.
Covid Related Withdrawals
There are circumstances where you may not be able to attend the Event due to a direct impact of COVID-19. These circumstances include developing COVID-19 related symptoms in the lead up to the Event; being directed to quarantine (stay at home) on the Event date due to exposure to COVID-19; or being prevented from travelling to the Event because of interstate or international travel restrictions. You will be required to complete a COVID-19 Withdrawal Application Form and provide the necessary documentation with options to rollover your registration to the 2022 Event or receive a refund of your Event entry fee.
Merchandise
An exciting range of new official Nike Melbourne Marathon merchandise will be available for purchase on race weekend. The merchandise store will be located on the concourse near Gate 2 of the MCG and will open on Saturday 11 December 9:00am – 8:00pm and Sunday 12 December 4:00am – 1:30pm. If you have pre-purchased merchandise, it will be available for collection.
Please note, card and electronic payments only.
Spectators
Friends and family are invited to cheer you on as you cross the finish line. Free entry into the MCG will be available for fully vaccinated spectators on Saturday from 2:30pm and Sunday from 7:00am. They’ll also be able to track your progress and watch the Festival’s live stream through the official Race App launching soon.
